Taking control

Chaos in Hong Kong by Expat Edna

If you were to take the contents of my mind and pour them out right now, I imagine it would look something like this chaos. (thanks to being in Hong Kong this week on a visa run for the convenient imagery.)

Lately I’ve had a lot of thoughts swirling around, all around, always. If I’m not careful I may get sucked into the vortex of this stress spiral and get to a point where not even a solid dirty martini and giant bowl of ceviche (I’ve become addicted to the stuff) will make things rosy again.

So to stave off the prospect of a crushing August, I’ve decided to set some goals for the next month. I’m hoping that having something to focus on will help me regain control of this potential runaway train.

$$

I’ve thought about doing a money challenge for a while, but always found excuses to splurge. This time I’m really going to do it: I’m going to attempt to spend no more than 1000 rmb a week, or 160 USD. I probably don’t spend much more than that already, but this month I’ll actually keep track.

And honestly, by local Chinese standards even that much seems extravagant (I could live on that much per month if I didn’t enjoy imported craft beer and the aforementioned ceviche so damn much) — but I’ll allow myself some leeway for unforeseen expenses and already-arranged weekend travel plans.

Stay Dry

I have a fridge stocked full of Rocheforts and Deliriums and Queue de Charrues but I won’t be touching any of them, or any other types of booze, for a month. Just to prove to myself that I can.

Blog

This site was once such a huge part of my daily routine: I used to blog up to five(!) times a week when I lived in Paris. But, I also didn’t have a full-time job then. So I’m aiming for twice a week this time round (and hopefully this is one goal that lasts past the month).

Exercise

I joined a yoga studio and have only gone four times so far. Time to step it up.

Also, Gaelic football training resumes in August! I cannot wait to start practicing again — it’s been over two years since I last played — not to mention finally get out and meet new (and undoubtedly super rad if they play Gaelic) friends, as a sense of community is something I’ve missed since leaving Paris.

Read

Ashley and I decided to start our own book club this month. I’ve accumulated too many half-started-never-finished books on my Kindle, so this will give me the motivation and accountability I need to read, and actually finish, the titles on my Amazon wishlist. First up: A Thread of Sky.

And that’s it! The list is on the internet, which means I have to do it now. Right? Right.

To those of you on holiday this month, bonnes vacances! To the rest, Happy August! You know, I hear this is good ceviche weather….

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20 Comments

  • Reply
    Marina @ Garlands in Paris
    July 31, 2014 at 21:36

    Good for you, Edna! It sounds like you are taking really positive steps. My only advice to you would be that this a lot, so be gentle to yourself if you are not perfect ALL of the time with all of these things at once. Two steps forward one step back and all that. Much love to you!

  • Reply
    Ashley of Ashley Abroad
    July 31, 2014 at 22:01

    This is such a great idea, Edna. I’ve noticed I follow through much more on my goals when I am held accountable online or with friends! And I’m definitely starting A Thread of Sky today :)

  • Reply
    Felicity
    July 31, 2014 at 22:26

    I just saw this pop up on my Google Now, yay for an Edna update! Hope you have a very successful August hun – perhaps I should compile my own list, my brain doesnt look unlike the above picture too! x

  • Reply
    Marianne @ Californienne
    July 31, 2014 at 23:55

    This is a really great post. I’ve also found that when I write out my goals and post them to the internet for all to see, I really do end up following through. It’s more of a fear of “what will I write if I don’t follow through?” that seems to keep me going.

  • Reply
    Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.)
    August 1, 2014 at 09:33

    Good for you! I have a similar-looking list for when I return home in a few weeks. It’s time to take control! Not sure I am brave enough to post my intentions online s0 my hat is off to you!

  • Reply
    Rachel of Hippie in Heels
    August 1, 2014 at 10:15

    I have also been trying to budget since it’s monsoon in Goa and less is going on- yet somehow I keep spending as much as I do during peak season! I need to write it down like you and see what happens.

  • Reply
    Sara @ Simply Sara Travel
    August 1, 2014 at 13:38

    Good luck with this, Edna! That’s a great list! I’ve tried a few times to write down every single purchase in a month – all those little things and “just this once” splurges really do add up! It’s hard to do but definitely eye-opening. Hope you start feeling less stressed and can carve out some quiet time to allow yourself to process this transition and help clear your mind a little :-)

  • Reply
    Blakeley
    August 1, 2014 at 16:51

    There is a great app called “Trail Wallet” that allows you to set up a budget and even categorize your expenses! I heard of it from Alex of Alex in Wanderland… It is so great and I use it mostly during trips because I spend WAY too much!

    But seems like a great list… Also will be glad to see more blogging!

  • Reply
    Danielle
    August 1, 2014 at 17:39

    Tell me about it, darling! Kudos to you for taking a step back and deciding on a few fulfilling and satisfying bite-size to-dos. I still have to determine how to figure exercise and blogging into my new work schedule. It’s all a process of a little adjustments like these, I think. In the mean time, can I join your book club? :)

  • Reply
    Tom @ Waegook Tom
    August 1, 2014 at 17:47

    YES, you go, girl! I let myself get into a rut a little while ago, and had to kick my own ass to get out of it – my diet was shockingly bad, and my exercise routine was lacking at best. It may be tough going at first, but you’ll work it out, I’m sure. Sheryll from The Wanderlust Project wrote a great post about creating habits. It inspired me a lot, you may want to check it out! :)

  • Reply
    Naomi
    August 1, 2014 at 18:11

    Budgeting is one thing I’m really having to learn about as now I’m a graduate, my interest-free overdraft is no-more and funnily enough, it’s not free money! Good luck with your month’s projects!

  • Reply
    maddy
    August 1, 2014 at 20:44

    shanghai is the place to be !

  • Reply
    Erica
    August 1, 2014 at 22:14

    Love this. I feel like I’m in a similar spot – finally being proactive about all those things that I wasn’t happy about when I first moved here. Between you and Tom, I feel like I have my inspirational team in this with me.

    Just want to be sure that you’re not going to be dry when you visit, though. There are so many craft breweries, wineries and ginger beer cocktails on tap! ooooor I could find other non-boozy activities too ;)

  • Reply
    Sophie
    August 1, 2014 at 23:42

    Great idea Edna! Sometimes you’ve just got to take a deep breath and look at what’s in front of you, rather than trying to bat around something in your future that may or may not happen.

  • Reply
    Jessica of Curiosity Travels
    August 2, 2014 at 08:22

    Great idea! I need to kick my booty into gear in some of these ways too! Eeek!

  • Reply
    Heather
    August 2, 2014 at 09:57

    I found it surprisingly easy to over spend in Shanghai. The cost of things is so low that it’s easy to justify doing more than you normally would. But those taxi rides and expat dinners add up fast! And let’s face it, I definitely drank more beer than water there :-)

  • Reply
    Jessica Hill
    August 2, 2014 at 16:28

    Great goals! Sometimes it’s nice to have some things to focus on, and therefore a sense of accomplishment if we succeed. How’s yoga in China?

  • Reply
    Mari
    August 2, 2014 at 18:00

    YEAH!! I loved my month of challenges. Once everything started getting nuts about moving, I had to let them go, but it was a great month! Love it!

  • Reply
    ChinaMatt
    August 13, 2014 at 18:24

    Yes, read more! Now that I’m unemployed and still on the road, I’m enjoying what’s free and inexpensive (local wine and reading free ebooks in the park). If you need any book recommendations, let me know.

  • Reply
    Ceri
    August 29, 2014 at 05:47

    I love this. :D Lists like this are exactly what motivates me to get things done too. Especially when it’s not just in your head but actually written out somewhere.

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